The vessels will take at least two weeks to get to the English Channel.

Saj heads for Dover

By Matt Dathan, Senior Political Correspondent

SAJID Javid will today visit Dover in a desperate bid to seize control of the Channel migrant crisis.

The Home Secretary will board the one Border Force cutter that is currently patrolling UK waters and head out into the Dover Strait.

He will meet Border Force officers and other agencies who have been involved in catching and rescuing migrants who have crossed the Channel and discuss steps that can be taken to plug the gaps in Britain’s border.

It follows days of criticism over his handling of the growing crisis. At least 139 migrants have been caught crossing from France over the festive period.

And since November a total of 239 have reached the UK by illegal boats.

He immediately chaired an emergency meeting with Border Force and National Crime Agency chiefs to get on top of the crisis.

The Home Secretary also announced he was trying to strike a new deal with France to take back as many migrants that get here illegally by boat as possible. Mr Javid explained his U-turn by saying there was a "balance to be struck".

He said: "It's both about protecting human life but also protecting our borders. Clearly, I want to make sure that we are doing all we can to protect people.